MyDerm Blog

What Happens to Your Skin During a Chemical Peel?

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove
the top layers. This resurfacing procedure allows new skin to grow back smoother and younger looking. It is typically used to reduce wrinkles,
lessen scars, and remove or lighten skin discoloration.

There are 3 levels or depths of chemical peels. The depth that you choose will depend on your needs and results you expect. The deeper the peel, the
longer the recovery time will be.

Light chemical peel: A light chemical peel removes the top layer of the skin, epidermis. Doctors recommend treating acne scars with a chemical
peel as well as fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dryness. You may choose to do this treatment once a week for up to 6 weeks,
depending on your expected results.

Medium chemical peel: A medium chemical peel removes the epidermis plus parts of the middle layer of the skin, the dermis. Doctors advise that
wrinkle removal with a chemical peel works wonders. This treatment is also great for acne, uneven skin tone and texture. This procedure’s results
can last for one year, and can be repeated every 12 months, as desired.

Deep chemical peel: A deep chemical peel removes the epidermis, plus layers of the mid and lower dermis. This procedure is recommended for deep
wrinkles, scars or even precancerous growths. Recovery time is a lot longer, but the results are more dramatic and longer lasting.

What Can I Expect?

First the skin is prepped for the chemical solution. The skin is cleaned and scrubbed, removing any oils from the skin. Next, the chemical solution
is applied to the face. From there, it will depend on which type of peel you are having done.

Superficial chemical peel: The doctor applies glycolic or salicylic acid solution to the skin and the skin begins to whiten. It may sting temporarily.
After a few minutes, the doctor will apply a neutralizing solution or wash to remove it from the skin.

Medium chemical peel: The doctor applies a solution of trichloroacetic acid, sometimes in combination with glycolic acid to the skin and it starts
to turn white. After a few minutes you may apply a cool compress to the area. No neutralizing solution is needed. It could burn or sting for
up to 20 minutes.

Deep chemical peel: The doctor will use numbing cream, pain medicine or anesthetic before the procedure. The doctor then applies the phenol to
the skin, and it will begin to turn white or gray. Your doctor may break up the procedure into intervals to avoid long exposure to phenol.

What’s the Recovery Like?

Recovery times will depend on which chemical peel procedure you choose. Your skin will be tight, red and sensitive. You may be puffy and swollen with
a deeper peel, and it may burn or throb. After a day or 2, it should start to peel, which should last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks, depending
on the depth of the peel. You can encourage the healing process by using mild cleansers, moisturizers, ointments and sunscreen. The amount of peeling
afterwards depends on the procedure and the condition of the skin before the treatment, but it is not indicative of better results. You should
never pick or pull on the peeling skin. It should be allowed to slough off naturally, so that the skin doesn’t become dry, cracked or injured.
It can take weeks to months to achieve full results.

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco, your Frisco dermatologists, offers comprehensive cosmetic
services to all of our patients. To discuss your skin needs or if you are interested in a chemical peel, call our office for a consultation today.

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Acne Scar Treatment Options

Many people live with the scars of the acne they endured as a young adult. The scars serve as daily reminders of the acne that tormented them in adolescence.
Acne can leave lifelong scars that come in all shapes and sizes; from spots to sunken pits, wavy in texture, boxlike, or keloid bumps, acne scars can
be exasperating. But there have been great advancements for treating acne scars. A dermatologist can help reduce and greatly improve the appearance
of scarring. Read further to learn how you can have beautiful, fresh, young skin again.

Fraxel

Fraxel, or fractionated laser resurfacing, uses a high-energy light to burn away damaged skin. This
revolutionary laser fractionates the laser beam into thousands of microscopic laser columns, and the results are far better than any previous laser
treatment with fewer side effects. The process minimizes wrinkles and acne scars, improving the overall texture and tone of the skin. Fraxel requires
several treatments to receive optimal results.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a technique that uses microparticles or diamond tips to remove the top layers
of the skin. It also promotes the growth of collagen. Microdermabrasion leaves the skin smoother and fresher looking as it heals. It is great for improving
the appearance of sun spots, wrinkles, and treating old acne scars. A series of acne scar treatments are recommended for favorable outcome.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels treat sun damage, irregular pigments and acne scars. The top layers of the skin are
removed with a chemical that is applied to the face. The skin then regenerates a fresh, new layer of skin that improves the overall appearance of the
skin. There are different categories of chemical peels. The type you choose will determine results and downtime.

Dermal filler injections

Injectables are used to treat wrinkles, acne scars and facial lines. The filler is injected under the skin to replace collagen that has been lost. When
acne is healing, the body sometimes produces too little collagen when repairing the acne spot, and a scar is formed. Collagen can help fill in the
scar where it is missing. Dermal fillers are temporary, usually lasting 6-18 months.

Acne affects millions of Americans every year. Dermatologists treat acne with the best products and treatments on the market, with the intent of improving
the skin’s appearance and minimizing scarring. Despite these efforts, acne scarring can happen. Precision Dermatology has highly skilled dermatologists
proficient in the latest advancements in acne scar treatment. If you or your loved one would like more information on treating old acne scars, contact
Precision Dermatology today for a consultation.

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THE MANY USES OF BOTOX

Many people think of Botox as a treatment for wrinkles and fine lines on the face. But Botox has many other beneficial uses as well, some that may surprise you. From migraines to sweaty hands, there
are many interesting uses for Botox.

Botox derives from a deadly toxin called Botulinum toxin. The drug is used to paralyze overactive muscles and inhibit sweat glands. The FDA has approved
Botox for use with 9 different medical conditions as well as several cosmetic conditions. The company that owns Botox, Allergan, has over 800 patents
for potential uses for the drug in the future. Botox was approved for use over 30 years ago by the FDA, and now over one half of its revenue comes
from therapeutic uses such as migraines, back pain, and sweating. Here are some of the more common uses for Botox.

FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles in the face to prevent the nerves from telling your face muscles to contract. By not moving your skin as much
with muscle contractions, the skin is not as likely to wrinkle. This helps with the prevention of new lines as well. Botox is used to treat lines
around the eyes, nose, mouth, forehead, lips and jowls. Ask your Denton Botox consultant about how Botox treatments can help you with wrinkles or fine lines.

CHRONIC MIGRAINES

When Botox was first being used for the treatment and prevention of wrinkles on the face, patients began to notice a reduction in headaches as a side-effect.
In 2010, the FDA approved Botox for the treatment of chronic migraines. This has provided great relief to migraine sufferers who were desperate
for something to work. The treatment includes many shots to the face, neck, shoulders and head.

HYPERHIDROSIS

Overactive sweating can be very bothersome and embarrassing for people. Botox as a treatment for sweating can be a alternative to other treatments
that just aren’t working. Botox works by inhibiting the sweat glands, either in the armpits, hands, soles of the feet, and even the scalp. Botox
has been found to be a very effective treatment for overactive sweating. Always consult a board-certified Botox filler in Denton, TX when considering
Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis.

OVERACTIVE BLADDER

Studies have shown that Botox is a very effective treatment for overactive bladder. Botox helps reduce urinary incontinence, reduces the feeling of
needing to go to the bathroom, and reduces the frequency in which patients need to go to the bathroom.

EYE SPASMS AND TWITCHING

The first use for Botox was approved by the FDA in 1989 was for the treatment of eye muscles problems and abnormal eyelid spasms. The treatment works
to calm the overactive muscles in the eye.

TMJ

Botox has been shown to be effective with TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, which affects the joint in the jaw. Botox works by dealing with
the issues of the jaw and the muscles that control it, which relieves the pain caused by clenching and grinding the teeth and jaw.

Botox uses have evolved greatly ever since it was first approved for medical treatment over 30 years ago. When considering Botox, always make sure
to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. If you would like to discuss how Botox may be helpful for you, contact your board-certified Denton
dermatologist at Precision Dermatology today.

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Reasons Why Warts Keep Coming Back

Out of nowhere, a wart appears on your hand. It may seem harmless, but removing a wart can be quite stubborn and difficult.

WHAT CAUSES A WART?

A wart is an infection on the top layer of the skin. It is caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus, or HPV, family.

There are over 100 types of HPV. This virus invades the skin, usually through a cut, and causes a rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin,
which forms the wart.

Warts are pervasive. Almost everyone experiences a wart at some point in their lifetime. They usually appear on the hands, because people are exposed to
warts most commonly through skin to skin contact, such as shaking hands.

But you can also get the virus from doorknobs, keyboards, towels, and shower floors. You are more likely to get a wart if you are exposed to the virus
through a cut or abrasion on the skin.

Some immune systems are better at fighting off the HPV virus than others. That is why some people are more prone to getting warts and have a hard time
with wart removal, while others seem to avoid them altogether.

Genetics also play a role. If your parents or siblings are susceptible to warts, you have a greater likelihood of being susceptible as well. Strong immune
systems help ward off HPV. This is why children experience warts in much greater numbers than adults. Children’s immune systems have not built up a
strong immunity to the human papillomavirus yet.

HOW DO I TREAT MY WARTS?

It is important to realize that warts can spread quickly, so you should treat your wart right away. Listed below are different treatments for wart removal.
It may take several treatments that last weeks or months before the virus is gone.

Home remedies can be used to treat a wart. Salicylic acid, clear nail polish or tape can be applied to the wart consistently until the virus is killed.
This can take weeks to months for success.

Freezing the wart. A doctor who removes warts will use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart off. A blister will form around the wart and it will fall
off in about a week.

Cantharidin is a treatment that is applied to the wart to form a blister around it. The blister lifts the wart off the skin and it falls off within
a week or so.

Bleomycin is a medication that is injected into the wart to kill the virus.

Surgery may be performed if other attempts to kill the virus have failed. A doctor will cut the wart off with an electric needle or cryosurgery.

Laser surgery is another technique used by a doctor to remove a wart.

WHY DO MY WARTS KEEP COMING BACK?

If you have attempted to treat your warts, but they continue to come back, the treatment has failed to kill the virus. The wart was removed, but the virus
is still present. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off the virus. If you have tried unsuccessfully to kill the virus, you should
discuss more aggressive treatments with your dermatologist in Denton.

There are things you can do to avoid warts:

Keep your hands clean.

Take care of your skin and don’t bite your nails.

Take care of cuts and scrapes with bandages.

Always wear footwear around pools and public showers.

Avoid touching warts on yourself or others.

Avoid dull razors when shaving to prevent cuts.

If you are having trouble with warts that keep coming back, contact Dermatology Consultants today for a consultation to discuss your treatment options.